Blockbuster Inc. scored a coup today by announcing a new agreement with Warner Bros. to provide immediate availability of DVD and Blu-ray titles from that studio. Thus,
The Blind Side will be available on March 23, in Blockbuster stores and by-mail. And on March 30, Blockbuster will have
Sherlock Holmes available for immediate release.
The terms of the agreement are confidential, but the company revealed that "the studio partner stands to gain from an increased number of transactions with this agreement."
Netflix and Redbox had agreed to refrain from renting WB new releases until four weeks after release (see blu-ray.com,
January 6 and
February 16, respectively).
"This new agreement reflects our strategy to be the only multi-channel provider for movies. We are excited to offer our customers the best home entertainment from Warner Bros., such as
The Blind Side and
Sherlock Holmes, with significantly greater availability in Blockbuster Stores and through Blockbuster By Mail, as well as digitally through Blockbuster On Demand," said James W. Keyes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Blockbuster Inc. "This agreement reinforces Blockbuster's position as the most convenient source for new movies, and we are pleased to offer our customers the opportunity to get hot new movies as soon as they are released. This gives Blockbuster a full four week lead before either kiosk or other subscription services can offer any Warner Bros. titles."
"Warner Bros. and Blockbuster have enjoyed a cooperative and successful relationship for more than 25 years," said Ron Sanders, president, Warner Home Video. "The updated agreement will continue to provide Blockbuster customers with access to Warner Bros. titles the same day they are released."
Blockbuster was in sore need of some good news, as it recently warned that it may have to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.